Utibe Ayi: Why We Think Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s “Wear Nigerian Campaign” will be a total hit!

Posted On 11 May 2017 / 0 Comment

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‘Let’s Buy Nigerian to grow the Naira’, this phrase has to be the most used terminology in 2016 but really it’s not just about buying Nigerian made clothes to grow the Naira. In my perspective, there’s more to the term ‘Buy Nigerian to grow the Naira’ than we see on the surface. It’s about being proud of your heritage, why do we even derive so much joy when we fluent and pride ourselves in foreign brands? The classy, detailed ensembles made by Nigerian Designers are unbelievably true at times.

If you are buying Made in Nigerian attires for the sole aim of growing the naira then you need to change your perspective towards it. You are not just buying Nigerian to grow the naira, you are buying Nigerian to show how important your roots are to you, you are buying Nigerian to show that yes we too are creatives, you are buying Nigerian to promote your culture and also rock this Nigerian pieces with so much self admiration, egoism, self-pride and self-satisfaction.

I mean step out in your best shoes when you are dressed to the nines in that Nouva Couture graceful silhouette or that Yemi Shoyemi generously cut Dazzling sparkle Wedding Dress. Who ever it is that you are rocking, the big guns or just any designer strode graciously in that outfit. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie [do I really need to introduce her to you?] took to her Facebook and Instagram page to announce her new project which is ‘Wear Nigerian’ .

According to the Style Icon, “The Nigerian government’s disastrous economic policies have led to a reduction in the value of the naira and therefore in disposable income, a change in values, a disorientation of the middle class, and most of all, to a debilitating sense of uncertainty. If we are to grasp for a silver lining, then the ‘Buy Nigerian to Grow The Naira’ rhetoric is one. In that spirit, I recently decided to wear mostly Nigerian brands for my public appearances. (Before, by the way, President Buhari declared ‘Made in Nigeria dress’ days.)

In the past few weeks, I’ve bought more Nigerian brands than I ever have in the past. I’ve discovered new names. I’ve been filled with admiration for the women and men running their businesses despite the many challenges they face. I’m particularly interested in ‘inward-looking’ brands, those for whom dressing Nigerian women is as important as other goals. I’ve changed quite a few dodgy zippers, been disappointed by some poor quality fabrics, and been impressed by some detail-oriented finishing. Overall, I love the clothes, their cut, their whimsy, their color, their flair, their ability to make me feel like myself. Their makers, from designer to tailor to button-fixer to okada-delivery-person, deserve to be supported.”

Now you understand when I say do not just buy Nigerian to grow the Naira, buy it to feel glamorous while connected to your roots. Take a look at all the lovely outfits and Style Inspiration Chimamanda has been feeding us with.